DEAR ABBY: After reading about Oscar Ortiz, the veteran who was appreciated after 55 years, I'm moved to write about the few seconds of appreciation I, a retired teacher, received while stopped at a busy intersection waiting for the traffic light to turn green.
A car filled with large, handsome, very noisy males drove alongside me and stopped. I glanced over at them and smiled. One of the young men said, "Don't worry -- we're listening to Michael Jackson's 'Scream.'" I replied, "Sounds normal to me after teaching high school for 30 years."
The driver did a double take and said, "Where did you teach?" "Westminster High School," I answered. He then said, "Mrs. P. -- is that you?" When I nodded affirmatively, he said: "I never told you before, but I loved you. You were the best teacher I ever had in all my years in school."
Then I recognized him. I said, "Sean, I remember when you brought your 18-month-old son to my class, and I gave him toys to play with while you studied." Sean said, "Look in the back seat, because there he is. He's almost 16 now."
The traffic light changed and our cars started moving into the intersection. The last I saw of my former student, he was waving at me and shouting, "Always remember, Mrs. P., I love you!"
I've been on cloud nine since those few seconds at the intersection. I hope this story might prompt students everywhere to communicate with those teachers who somehow influenced their lives. Dedicated teachers need appreciation. A few seconds will do -- but more is always appreciated. -- ULA PENDLETON, LOS ANGELES
DEAR ULA: I, too, hope your letter generates some response. I'm willing to bet that almost everyone can remember a special teacher who made a difference because of his or her caring heart.
Readers, if you do, sit down and write that teacher -- or former teacher -- a letter of acknowledgment and thanks. It won't take long, and the result will last longer than a few seconds at a stoplight. Your letter can be enjoyed repeatedly.